I've got more than enough lighting in my shop but it's still nice to have a portable light when working under the hood or car. Just looking for recommendations from folks who've bought something they like.

 

I've got a drop cord I've used forever. Works for me.

 

I like the halogen swivel lights that sit on the floor and can be tilted up in the direction that you are working. Can't get any brighter than that. They sell those lights most everywhere for under $20.00 .

 

Lot's of decent LEDs out there these days.
All the brightness of the Halogens, without all that heat (those suckers will burn you!)
I've got 2 different ones now: 1 cordless/rechargeable which lies flat on the ground or has a flip out leg that adjusts for angle. And 1 corded that has its own adjustable bracket stand with a handle, that also adjusts.
Both are 500 lumens, IIRC.

 

as a secondary light source I've been using an LED that straps to my forehead.

 

I have two rechargeable leds. One 48" & one 12" . They are bright as day. By Snap -On

 

LEDs are great, in the home also just cost a little more

Nice and bright not the dim yellowish look of std bulbs
makes a noticeable difference

 

I have and use several different portable lights ,some with power cable, some battery powered , but I tried a headband LED and found it really helps , always points exactly where you need it .

 

Check out harbor freight. They have some great led lighting

 

I use one of these as well. I attatched mine to the ceiling directly over the hood area shining down. No shadows and plenty of light.

For a portable light I use the Dewalt portable led flash light with a 19.2 battery pack. It swivels up and down and sits nicley on the floor or other surfaces. Lots of light and uses very little battery power so I don't have to really worry about leaving it on for extended periods of time.

I still prefer the halogen swivel lights over an led light. They just seem to provide more light or maybe more focused vs the leds. Leds tend to difuse rapidly with distance and make shadows more than the halogens.
The halogens do get very toasty hot though.

 

I have the cheap harbor frieght 4 footer like the snap on. Probably not as bright but it works well, The cheap headlamps are great too. Whatever you buy, make sure its LED. No burns, longer run time and alot brighter

 

It may not be exactly what you were asking for, but I thought I would give you an alternative and add to the conversation for others that are looking as well. When I did my main garage a couple years back, the theme was "clean and bright". I moved all the non-car related things to the second garage. I installed 512 watts of 5000K florescent light in the ceiling. I painted the ceiling white and the upper portion of the wall very light grey. I tiled a wainscot height in a light grey and went with a full broadcast chip epoxy in as light a grey color as I could find.

As you mention, when you open the hood or are under the car there is still not enough light for obvious reasons. My main issue was that the car on the upper portion of the 4-post lift blocked light down below. This was not good for working on a car on the lift or if I was doing winter projects on the car below.

I had an idea. I found a deal on overstock dock lighting on e-bay. I mounted this at about 42" from the ground and modified the mounting of the housing on the end so that it could swivel 360 degrees. I also bought a "300 watt equivalent" LED bulb to put in it. This was not strictly necessary, but it matches the color temp of the rest of the garage light and kicks off a lot less heat than other types. This is a good thing when you are working right next to the lamp.

I love it. I can extend it and turn it on in 5 seconds. It goes back to the wall in no time at all. It looks kind of "pro" next to the lift.

Of course there are times when this is not enough or I am working on something where this will not quite reach (brakes on other side of car). I have a twin head 500 W portable halogen that folds up into a small carry case. This stays in my basement most of the time.

 

good idea

 

Dang, I have one of those for hunting so I pulled it out and it works awesome for the engine work I was doing. Thanks !!!

 

I have lots of light too in my garage but when I tried looking at the power steering fluid level in my daughters 2003 Escape I can never see the level.
My mechanic had this and once I saw it I had to have it...I use it everywhere now.

 

Either one of you guys bald? I'm kinda wondering how the comfort level is, and if it stays in place, with one of these on a hot sweaty job.

 

Am I the only person on the planet that hates, hates, HATES! LEDs? To me, the light they put out is murder on the eyes. Maybe I need to see an eye doctor?

 

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=...ight&FORM=IGRE the monster light is what I like .its led .its rechargeable.it comes out of the holder.so that you can hold it by hand.

 

Thats funny. i just burnt a 12x2 hole in my shop vac hose yesterday. duct tape for now!